In the years leading up to 2021, the Dickinson County Museum was open for about 240 hours a year, between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In total, staff saw 553 visitors for the entire year of 2021. The support of local entities, such as the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors, had only covered the costs to have one staff person and the most basic operating expenses.

"The doors were open," said Mary Drier at the museum. "But that was it."